"How Long? Not long..." 60 Years Ago Today at The Alabama Capitol

 Partial Video of the speech is HERE.

  I know you are asking today, “How long will it take?” (Speak, sir) Somebody’s asking, “How long will prejudice blind the visions of men, darken their understanding, and drive bright-eyed wisdom from her sacred throne?” Somebody’s asking, “When will wounded justice, lying prostrate on the streets of Selma and Birmingham and communities all over the South, be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men?” Somebody’s asking, “When will the radiant star of hope be plunged against the nocturnal bosom of this lonely night, (Speak, speak, speak) plucked from weary souls with chains of fear and the manacles of death? How long will justice be crucified, (Speak) and truth bear it?” (Yes, sir)

[36] I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, (Yes, sir) however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, (No sir) because “truth crushed to earth will rise again.” (Yes, sir)

[37] How long? Not long, (Yes, sir) because “no lie can live forever.” (Yes, sir)

[38] How long? Not long, (All right. How long) because “you shall reap what you sow.” (Yes, sir)

[39] How long? (How long?) Not long: (Not long)

Truth forever on the scaffold, (Speak)

Wrong forever on the throne, (Yes, sir)

Yet that scaffold sways the future, (Yes, sir)

And, behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow,

Keeping watch above his own.

[40] How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. (Yes, sir)

[41] How long? Not long, (Not long) because:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; (Yes, sir)

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; (Yes)

He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; (Yes, sir)

His truth is marching on. (Yes, sir)

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; (Speak, sir)

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat. (That’s right)

O, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant my feet!

Our God is marching on. (Yeah)

Glory, hallelujah! (Yes, sir) Glory, hallelujah! (All right)

Glory, hallelujah! Glory, hallelujah!

[42] His truth is marching on. [Applause]

(More info HERE)

Rebirth of The Capri Theatre Sign

 From a Montgomery Advertiser story:

 

(While work was underway this year)

"When the new marquee finally lights up Thursday, April 3 at the Capri Theatre, it'll be a sight many in Montgomery — at least those here prior to 1962 — never thought they'd see again.

"We haven't flipped the switch yet, so we haven't seen what it actually looks like at night," said Capri director Martin McCaffery. He's never seen the Clover lights either, since McCaffery has only been with the theater for 40 years.

 

The marquee lights will turn on sometime between 6:45 and 7 p.m. on April 3rd.

With it's tower, clover logo, dual signs and new standing "CAPRI" letters, the new marquee already stands out in daylight hours at 1045 E. Fairview Ave. The design is remarkably similar to one that was in place for just over 20 years, from when the theater first opened as the Clover Theatre in 1941... "

April 10th Event!!!

 

14th Annual Robert and Jean Graetz Symposium on Human Rights and Reconciliation!

Dear Friends of the Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation, We have exciting news to share! After a 6-year hiatus, we are delighted to announce that the annual Robert and Jean Graetz Symposium on Human Rights and Reconciliation is back! Please mark your calendars for April 10, 2025, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. The first annual Graetz Symposium was convened in the spring of 2007, in partnership with the National Center for the Study of African American History and Culture at Alabama State University (ASU). It was established on the campus of ASU in honor of long-time human rights activists, Rev. Robert and Mrs. Jean Graetz, because of their tireless efforts to advance the cause of human rights in Montgomery and around the world. The symposium is designed to stimulate action-oriented citizens to work toward reconciliation while examining factors that divide ethnic and other groups. Its focus is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of a “Beloved Community.” The Graetz Symposium featured luminaries from all over the world discussing vital human rights issues and ran from 2007 until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the passing of Bob and Jeannie, prevented it from continuing. On April 10, 2025, the Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation in partnership with the National Center for the Study of African American History and Culture at ASU will reconvene the Graetz Symposium, commemorating the 70th Anniversary of The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 60th Anniversaries of the Selma March and the Voting Rights Act and continuing the dialogue around human rights, reconciliation, and striving toward the actualization of the Beloved Community. The Theme of the 2025 Graetz Symposium is “Building the Beloved Community: From Walking to Marching to Healing and Thriving.”  Highlights of the 14th Annual Graetz Symposium! Inaugural Annual Awards from Graetz Foundation Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Lifetime Service Award being presented to legendary Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray Claudette Colvin Activism Award being presented to a local High School student, Jeremiah Treece, who, like Claudette Colvin, single-handedly stood up for justice and took on City Hall to remove the racist, confederate iconography on his city’s flag Graetz Foundation Beloved Community Service Awards being presented to four outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions toward building the Beloved Community in Montgomery and beyond:  Valerie Smedley; Laurie Weil; and Randall Williams and Suzanne La Rosa Dynamic Keynote Speaker Welcoming Emmy award-winning CNN Correspondent Nick Valencia, who will be sharing his life story and insights from his coverage of the groundswell of community solidarity around the world following the George Floyd murder Presentation of Beloved Community Media Award to Nick Valencia Interactive Event Engaging the action-oriented audience: conversations not just lectures  Intergenerational: with a focus on young people, as we know the legacy of Dr. King, the Graetzes, the walkers of Montgomery, and the marchers of Selma will be carried on through the determination and vision of our young people Focus on action: steps each of us can take individually and collectively to further the Beloved Community We want you!!! Here’s how you can help: Join us on April 10 in Montgomery, Alabama for the Symposium! Registration form coming soon Help spread the word! Click here to make a financial contribution of any size to help with operating expenses. Bob and Jeannie always made sure there was never a cost to attend the symposium and luncheon, to make sure it was accessible for everyone Send your ​positive thoughts, prayers, and encouragement to help build collective energy for an enlightening, powerful, and revitalizing event! We know Bob and Jeannie would be thrilled to know the symposium that was so near and dear to their hearts is back! We look forward to hopefully seeing many of you in Montgomery on April 10!  In the words of Bob Graetz that he wrote in every book he signed, "Let us work together to keep the dream alive." In solidarity, Meta and the Graetz Foundation Team Meta Ellis, Chairperson Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz Foundation www.graetzfoundation.org

Middle Class in Alabama?

 

A six-figure household income doesn’t necessarily make you rich — in many cases, it just means you’re middle class.

The upper bound of what’s considered middle class for households exceeds $100,000 in every U.S. state, according to a SmartAsset analysis of 2023 income data, the most recent available from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report, which crunched the numbers for all 50 states, is based on Pew Research’s definition of middle class: two-thirds to double the median household income.

Alabama

Low end of middle class: $41,471

High end of middle class: $124,424

Median household income: $62,212

(Source: AOL.COM)

Can You Imagine?

 There was a time when you could RENT a radio?

 

Alabama is 5th in cost of raising a child

 #5 Alabama

• Annual cost of a child: $18,653
• Food: $1,897
• Childcare: $8,078
• Medical costs: $1,889
• Additional housing: $2,203
• Transportation: $3,161
• Other necessities: $1,426

See full list of states ranked from highest to lowest HERE.

Weather---late Sunday

 

Top Issue?

 I'm sure this in near the top of the list of issues Alabama residents are concerned about:

Female crash test dummies would be used in determining vehicle safety under a bipartisan bill sponsored by Alabama’s junior senator aimed at modernizing standards.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is the co-author of the She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act, which is being considered by the Senate after the Commerce Committee voted unanimously to advance the bill.

THANKS SO MUCH Senator.

 

68 Bridges in The U.S. Earmarked

 The NTSB names the bridges as in need of safety assessments...but none of them are in Alabama. (though there are many many bridges in the State):

(The state of Alabama has approximately 16,001 highway bridges. The Alabama Department of Transportation owns 5,762. Local agencies own 10,170 and the remaining 63 bridges are owned by other agencies or private entities.)

Among those listed on the national list is The Brooklyn Bridge!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ntsb-recommends-68-bridges-in-u-s-be-evaluated-for-risk-of-collapse-see-the-full-list/

Alabama: 9th Highest state home ownership rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which State Has the Highest Home Ownership Rate?

Below, we show home ownership rates by state in 2023. (Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/cp/mapped-homeownership-rates-by-u-s-state/

State/Area	Share of households that are owner-occupied (2023)
West Virginia	77.0%
Delaware	75.7%
Mississippi	75.5%
Maine	75.5%
Wyoming	74.5%
New Hampshire	74.3%
Michigan	74.1%
Minnesota	74.0%
Alabama	73.8%
Vermont	73.7%

Back To The future

From The Washington Post

By Donald G. McNeil Jr.

"Sacrifices are what make us a nation instead of 340 million selfish hunter-gatherers. Each of us gives up some personal freedoms so we all stay alive. Opposing lifesaving mandates is childish libertarian nonsense."

Sadly, our top health official---(Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.) is a childish libertarian.

 

Full story is HERE.

Know ANY owners of a Chihuahua???? Aparently Alabama's most popular breed!

Which states are the most obsessed with Chihuahuas? You'd be surprised. / Courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

 

Early Dexter Avenue in Montgomery

 

9-11 remembered

 A photo shared online authentically shows a view of New York City from space shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Silenced Voice

 

(From The NY Times:)

"Hours after President Trump signed an executive order on Friday calling for the dismantling of the federal agency that oversees Voice of America, hundreds of journalists, executives and other employees at the organization’s headquarters in Washington were informed that they were being put on paid leave. Employees said they quickly lost access to their work email and other communications programs.

....He tapped a right-wing former TV news anchor, Kari Lake, to run Voice of America. Even before she arrived, the broadcaster began discouraging its journalists from saying or writing things that could be construed as critical of Mr. Trump — part of an attempt that its leaders hoped would help fend off attacks by the president.

The White House on Saturday issued a news release denouncing what it said was the broadcaster’s role in spreading “radical propaganda” and accusing its employees of entrenched left-wing bias. It is the same critique that Mr. Trump and his allies routinely make about the traditional media."

Best Retirement States

 

Florida is #1.

Alabama is ranked as 37th best.

 

Wallethub has the data:

 

 

Best & Worst States to Retire

Overall Rank	State	Total Score	Affordability Rank	Quality of Life Rank	Health Care Rank
1	Florida	62.76	2	2	27
2	Minnesota	62.74	27	6	1
3	Colorado	61.71	15	18	3
4	Wyoming	60.79	1	3	38
5	South Dakota	60.76	18	19	4
6	Pennsylvania	60.44	22	5	9
7	New Hampshire	58.64	23	8	14
8	Delaware	58.62	4	35	18
9	North Dakota	58.45	14	30	13
10	Wisconsin	57.75	17	20	21
11	Virginia	57.08	21	14	19
12	North Carolina	56.72	7	16	36
13	Missouri	56.44	13	31	32
14	Alaska	56.23	16	37	15
15	Maine	55.83	33	1	20
16	Iowa	55.52	28	9	29
17	Vermont	55.04	37	7	10
18	Utah	54.80	25	22	25
19	Ohio	54.17	26	12	34
20	South Carolina	53.45	8	38	39
21	California	53.38	39	24	5
22	Montana	53.17	35	11	16
23	Massachusetts	53.06	49	4	2
24	Idaho	53.04	29	26	30
25	Michigan	52.69	32	13	31
26	Texas	52.37	20	34	35
27	Nebraska	51.85	43	21	8
28	Nevada	51.53	5	42	43
29	Connecticut	51.52	45	17	6
30	Arizona	51.41	34	29	23
31	Kansas	50.85	30	28	37
32	Georgia	50.24	19	39	40
33	Oklahoma	50.04	10	47	42
34	Illinois	49.66	41	15	28
35	New York	49.58	47	10	11
36	Maryland	49.54	44	25	17
37	Alabama	48.93	3	43	49
38	Tennessee	48.58	6	48	46
39	Oregon	48.33	42	32	26
40	Indiana	48.29	31	33	41
41	Hawaii	47.75	50	27	7
42	Arkansas	47.70	12	49	44
43	West Virginia	47.48	11	44	50
44	Rhode Island	47.02	40	40	22
45	New Jersey	46.36	46	36	12
46	New Mexico	45.99	38	45	33
47	Washington	45.81	48	23	24
48	Mississippi	45.33	9	50	47
49	Louisiana	44.54	24	46	48
50	Kentucky	42.46	36	41	45

 

Watching TV is GOOD for you?

 Previous research on the matter is mixed, but some studies found that eye movement can improve memory. Perhaps that explains why we found that people who watch more TV and read more have better memory and less dementia risk than those who do not.

While watching TV or reading, our eyes flick back and forth over the page and TV screen.

However, people who read often also tend to have been in education longer. Having had good education provides brain reserve capacity so that when connections in the brain are damaged, the negative result is less.

Pre-Storm Skies

 

"Pulse" nightclub name

I am sure the use of the name "Pulse" for nightclubs is now over.

First The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, was the site of a devastating mass shooting on June 12, 2016, resulting in 49 deaths and 53 injuries. 

And now another event at another Pulse Club today has left at least 59 people dead:

"At least 59 people have been killed and more than 150 injured in a devastating fire at a packed nightclub in Kocani in North Macedonia, according to Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that arrest warrants have been issued for four individuals in connection with the fire."

Tubby-ville

 

“The woke mind virus has struck again,” Tuberville said.

(The Republican former coach and now Alabama U.S. Senator's comment came as he attacked Democrats, naturally.)

Full story HERE.

Remember: you get what you vote for.

Weather

 

There is a risk for severe storms from Friday at 7AM until Saturday at 7AM.  An area from Marengo and Perry counties westward are in an enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather. A band from Wilcox through Dallas, Lowndes, Autauga and Chilton counties is in a slight (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather. A third area that includes Butler, Montgomery, Elmore and Tallapoosa counties is in a marginal (level 1 out of 5) risk.

During this round, there is a risk of tornadoes as well as 60MPH winds and hail up to a quarter size.

CODE RED: Action 8 Chief Meteorologist Shane Butler has issued a CODE RED for the potentially more potent round of storms which are expected to last from 7AM on Saturday until 7AM Sunday. Much of the Action 8 viewing area is in a moderate (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe storms, including Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, Selma and Greenville. The rest of the area, including Auburn and Troy, is in an enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk. Tornadoes — some strong — are possible, as well as 70MPH winds and golf ball-size hail.

A CODE RED means that there is a significant risk to public safety and to property because of dangerous weather conditions.

You will need to have a constant, reliable way to get weather alerts from noon Saturday through the overnight hours on Sunday. There are a lot of weekend events in the area on Saturday, including the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. Don’t rely on outdoor sirens.

America, Changed

 

It Isn’t Just Trump. America’s Whole Reputation Is Shot.

March 13, 2025

 

...

the Chinese have many advantages, but until recently America had the decisive one — we had more friends around the world. Unfortunately, over the last month and a half, America has smashed a lot of those relationships to smithereens.

President Trump does not seem to notice or care that if you betray people, or jerk them around, they will revile you. Over the last few weeks, the Europeans have gone from shock to bewilderment to revulsion. This period was for them what 9/11 was for us — the stripping away of illusions, the exposure of an existential threat. The Europeans have realized that America, the nation they thought was their friend, is actually a rogue superpower.

FULL NY Times STORY HERE

I pray this bill fails

 From HB231

 

This bill would propose an amendment to the
Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to public
K-12 schools, to require each local board of education to adopt a policy requiring that The Pledge of Allegiance be conducted to the United States flag and a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values be conducted at the commencement of each school day in each public K-12 school.

tRump: Eliminate birthright citizenship.

Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Reaches the Supreme Court

Trump administration lawyers asked the justices to limit the sweep of decisions by three lower courts that had issued nationwide pauses on the policy.

NY Times: 

 "Birthright citizenship has long been considered a foundational principle of the United States. The 14th Amendment, ratified after the Civil War, states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” are Americans. In the landmark 1898 case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court affirmed the guarantee of automatic citizenship for nearly all children born in the country. Since then, courts have upheld that expansive understanding of birthright citizenship."

Saturday Weather

 

Valid 151200Z - 161200Z

   ...THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER PORTIONS OF
   SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA INTO SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL MS/AL...

   ...SUMMARY...
   A severe weather outbreak is expected on Saturday from the central
   Gulf coast states/Deep South into the Ohio Valley. Significant
   tornadoes (focused across the South), swaths of damaging gusts, and
   hail are expected.